Doors Open Cornwall SDG Counties
Aug 18, 2024Saturday, August 17 & Sunday, August 18
Various sites in Cornwall and SDG Counties
Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most unique and historic buildings and places in Cornwall and SDG Counties during Doors Open! During the weekend of August 17th and 18th, participating locations will be opening their doors free of charge for residents and visitors to explore and discover the stories inside. Satisfy your curiosity and get behind normally closed doors to experience intriguing interiors, where you will be inspired by rare and exceptional materials, craftsmanship and design. From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open has something for everyone! Stay tuned for details on participating sites and hours of admission.
About Doors Open
Doors Open is a provincial initiative spearheaded by the Ontario Heritage Trust. For additional information, please click here.
Sites:
Aultsville Theatre
2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall
Built in 1976, the Aultsville Theatre is a 680-seat non-profit professional theatre that hosts a variety of events annually. Come and experience theatre life on the other side of the curtain. Take a backstage tour and see where the performers prepare themselves. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical lighting, rigging and operations that bring productions and performances to life.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Bishop’s House of Glengarry
20019 County Road 18, St. Raphael’s
This stone landmark across from the St. Raphael’s Ruins was initially a presbytery for Father Alexander Macdonell, chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles Light Infantry during the War of 1812, and later the first Bishop of Upper Canada. In 1924, symmetrical wings were added to each side of the presbytery in its transition to the renowned girls’ boarding school, Iona Academy. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Carman House Museum
5895 County Road 1, Iroquois
The Carman House Museum — a Georgian-era limestone cottage — was built c. 1815. The family was part of the Loyalist migration after the American Revolutionary War, receiving a land grant for their service to the Crown. It is also one of only two original buildings in Iroquois that were not moved for the 1950s construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Armouries
505 Fourth Street East, Cornwall
This is a recognized federal heritage building, associated with the expansion of Canada’s militia between the First and Second World Wars. People choose to become a reserve soldier to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and serve their country. The site still houses the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Militia, as well as the Cadet Corps. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Historic Walking Tour
100 Water Street East
This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) self-guided walking tour is a voyage into Cornwall’s heritage, depicting events and points of interest from the city’s past. The tour follows nearly 30 plaques that have been erected along Cornwall’s waterfront, downtown and in parts of Le Village in the city’s east end — representing industrial links, the former Cornwall Canal and the founding of New Johnstown.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christ Church Seaway
2 Bethune Avenue, Long Sault
This church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, which displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities located on the banks of the river. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed. It is one of three Anglican churches comprising the “Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence.”
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cline House Gallery & Studio
204 Second Street East, Cornwall
The Cline House was built in 1854; it remained in the Cline family until 1955 when the Library Board took possession. This fine Regency-style building is characterized by a low hip roof and central entrance. One of Cornwall’s finest homes, Cline House was once the location of the Simon Fraser Centennial Library. Today, it is a thriving art gallery.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Community Museum
160 Water Street West, Cornwall
This museum collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts related to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Their exhibit spaces host a multitude of artifacts organized by theme — the founding of New Johnstown and the Royal Townships, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, industry, law, commerce, textile, community service, health care and more. Come and explore this fascinating museum!
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Public Library
45 Second Street East, Cornwall
This library, a designated property, sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house the new post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location, the library moved into the building following renovations, making it Cornwall’s downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Glengarry County Archives
28 Kenyon St E Alexandria
The Glengarry County Archives, housed in this 1822 building, is the largest repository of historical records in Eastern Ontario. It contains the foremost collection of history about Glengarry County found anywhere.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Glengarry Pioneer Museum
1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan
Opened in 1962, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has grown to include eight heritage buildings, including the Star Inn, a stagecoach stop in the 1860s. Its barroom is thought to be one of the oldest in Eastern Ontario. Other pioneer buildings on this site are the blacksmith shop, town hall, Orange Lodge, log barns, drive shed and cheese factory.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic SDG Jail
11 Water St W Cornwall
This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some notorious criminals. It was notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. Today, the jail stands as a museum and popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the prison’s past and the harsh realities of life behind bars.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday August 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glengarry Nor’Westers and Loyalist Museum
19651 County Road 17, Williamstown
This Georgian-style building dates back to 1862. In 1967, it became a museum dedicated to depicting the story of Sir John Johnson and other Loyalists who settled in the area during the American Revolution. Special exhibits celebrate the bicentennial of the Williamstown Fair (the oldest agrarian fair in Canada) and the War of 1812.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Heritage Centre
14 Victoria Street, Chesterville
The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Judy Neville British Home Child Museum
13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg
In collaboration with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Ontario East British Home Child Family operates a museum on weekends during the month of August through to Labour Day. Located inside the Aultsville Train Station are artifacts and information on British Home Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lost Villages Museum
16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park), Long Sault
This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting. Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Martintown Grist Mill
18544 County Road 18, Martintown
This mill is a charming, rustic building in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the village and region as a flour milling operation. The mill operated by water power, which was eventually supplemented by a gas engine. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947 and it is now a museum. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 8 a.m to 12 p.m and Sunday, August 18: 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nativity Co-Cathedral
300 Montreal Road, Cornwall
The Nativity Co-Cathedral was the early nucleus of Cornwall’s Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall’s skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine De Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Priest’s Mill Arts Centre
16 Mill Square, Alexandria
The Priest’s Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the erstwhile stone-and-mortar grist mill built by Scottish immigrant, Father Alexander MacDonell, in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1902. The ground floor of the centre block has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saunders Hydro Dam Visitors Centre
2500B Second Street West, Cornwall
This centre offers an engaging experience for those interested in hydroelectric power and the St. Lawrence Seaway’s history. It features exhibits, informative displays and a captivating historical film that explains the engineering marvel of the dam and its impact on surrounding communities. Visitors can also learn about the dam’s role in providing renewable energy and the environmental consideration involved.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Andrew’s United Church
5793 Church Avenue, Williamstown
This storybook church is set in a village steeped in Celtic tradition, century homes, wrap-around porches and — most importantly — residents who are actively, and proudly, involved in the community. Since 1787, St. Andrew’s United Church has played an integral part in the community of Williamstown. With roots running deep in Celtic heritage, this congregation has evolved with the times.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 9 a.m to 5 p.m and Sunday, August 18: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
St. John The Evangelist Anglican Church
20788 South Service Road, Lancaster
This church — complete with belfry and three bells — is an architectural gem. It was built on the McLennan Estate in 1898. Surrounded by parkland, it is commonly known as “The Church in the Wildwood.” It is part of the Area Parish of the St. Lawrence, along with Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall.
Hours of operation: Sunday, August 18: 12 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Raphael’s Ruins
19998 County Road 18, South Glengarry
In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 9 a.m to 12 p.m and Sunday August 18: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trinity Church
105 Second Street West, Cornwall
A church has been on this site since 1784, when Loyalists first settled here. The current church dates to 1876, dedicated to Bishop John Strachan. Built in the Gothic style, the building features marble floors, stained-glass windows, a Casavant organ, and plaques and memorials to early Cornwall citizens. Outside, the churchyard features graves dating back to the late 1700s.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 : 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sir John Johnson Manor House
19692 William St Williamstown
Along the Raisin River lies one of the oldest homes in Ontario. This Georgian-style house was built for Sir John Johnson (a soldier, Loyalist and public servant) between 1784-92. This site was chosen because it is a natural location for water-powered mills. The house is now a National Historic Site, dedicated to preserving local history through archives and tours.
Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
YourTv Cornwall
517 Pitt Street, Cornwall
Community is at the heart of what YourTV does. Community television in Cornwall recently celebrated 50 years. Since late 1971, the local channel has brought events, politics, sports and much more to Cornwall living rooms. See where many favourite shows are produced, get a glimpse behind the scenes of television production and learn about their volunteer program. Hours of operation: Saturday, August 17: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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